EVERTON FC left back Leighton Baines said he was thrilled to be named in the PFA Premier League team of the year – even if he insists he does not deserve the honour.

The 27-year-old was voted as the top flight’s best left-back by his fellow professionals, when then team was revealed at the PFA Awards dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on Sunday.

Baines, who is currently out with a hamstring injury and missed Everton’s 4-4 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford, was given the nod ahead of players like Ashley Cole, Patrice Evra and Gael Clichy.

He had played every minute of every Everton league game until he was rested for the Easter Monday win over Sunderland, but the typically honest England defender was not convinced his form has been the best in the league.

He said: “I didn’t really feel like I should be in it to be honest, but I was still delighted to be chosen – especially because it’s voted by players which means a lot. It’s nice to be recognised in that category of players like Clichy and Cole.

“I don’t think I’ve been the best left-back in league this season, but if other people think I have then obviously that’s great.

It’s a surprise, there have been players who I feel have done better.”

Robin van Persie won the PFA Player of the Year award, with Kyle Walker was named PFA Young Player of the Year.

And Baines had no quarrels with the other selections. “I agree with the team – I put Van Persie down as my player of the season and Kyle Walker has had a fantastic season too,” he said. “I don’t think anyone could argue with that.

“The team which is voted for by other players is usually fairly accurate.”

One player who did not make the line-up but has still impressed this term has been on-loan Swansea midfielder Glyfi Sigurdsson, who Everton are monitoring.

Sigurdsson, 22, has scored seven goals in 14 games for the Swans since his January loan switch from German club Hoffenheim, and was watched by Blues first team coach Jimmy Lumsden on Saturday, along with scouts from Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Everton’s reserve team ended their season with a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers yesterday.

Second-half goals from Jose Baxter and Hallam Hope saw Alan Stubbs’ men complete their home fixtures for the season with a deserved victory.

Seamus Coleman played at right-back in the victory, while Ross Barkley, Shane Duffy and David Weir added further first-team experience.